Chapter 10: New Heights 1st July 1939
The following Saturday couldn't come quicker for Erin. All week, whatever the surprise that James had in store for her was all that was on her mind. She did well to hide her distraction at work, not only from the girls but from the supervisors and her mother too. The battle continued on the home front as well, a constant need to suppress the thoughts of him being an ever-present skirmish in the mind of the young Quinn. Their Friday lunchtime meet at the bank was her taster, though he gave absolutely nothing away as to what the surprise may be, despite severe hounding on her behalf.
Bizarrely, explaining her plans for the day to her parents was the easiest part. With Michelle and Clare preoccupied with their enforced cleaning of the school, and Orla enjoying the weekend with her husband next door, her taking a walk out to the fields did not bother Mary or Gerry. They didn't raise an eyebrow or challenge her that the route she was lying to them about, rather conveniently passed by James' cottage. Eating her lunch at home first, she set out in the vicious summer heat at around quarter to one to arrive at the fields by his cottage for around half past. There was no speed spared once she was out of the eye of the public and into the country, practically running through a field of wheat with a joyous smile lined up across her face. A smile that grew wider once she'd reached the field that bordered his cottage, finding James stood waiting for her, a jacket over his shoulder.
"James!" She called out.
The final metres between them were ran and like she had done previously when finding James working the vegetable patch back home, leapt into his arms. He was laughing at her audacious display, oblivious to Erin's usual struggle for control of her emotions when she was in close proximity to him.
"I like the hat. You have your mother's taste".
It was upon Mary's insistence that she wore one of the, what she believed to be, ghastly hats that her mother kept at the house. It couldn't be faulted for keeping the sun off of her, but it left a lot to be considered when it came to elegance.
"Catch yourself on, it's awful!". She swatted at his arm, crumbling a wee bit more upon touching him.
"I think it is wonderful… just like you".
He placed his finger on her nose, confused by what looked to be a sign of panic from her as he did. There was of course a severe panic from Erin from the action. Setting off a sea of hormonal fire from within her at just his fingertip resting on her nose for half a second, she was very quickly aware it was going to be a long afternoon.
"What's my surprise then?" She enquired.
"All in good time Erin, all in good time. It is a slight walk out into the country, but not too far". He replied sweetly.
"Alright. Let's go!"
They began the half hour walk, falling into easy conversation about the monotonous routines of their daily lives. After their meeting the day before at lunchtime, James was called yet again to the Joyce mansion to sit down with the Professor to discuss finances. For once though, there was no attempted advances, not least another full-on mounting, by Jenny. Appearing to understand the message, she reverted to being cordial though distant from James. Not totally avoiding him, but keeping her distance after his clear statement, her father didn't detect any animosity between the two. James held no animosity anyway, even though she'd caused a scene at the dancing after the wedding. He hoped that they could remain friends in time.
"She's right to back off ye, what she did at the wedding… it was wrong!"
"I think impairment through alcohol was a major factor…". James gentlemanly played devil's advocate. "… I would imagine she would be more sensible on another night".
"Well, she won't be dancin' with ye that's for sure". Erin surmised.
"Why not?"
She could have hit him for being so stupid. He was only going to be dancing with her in the future… no other girl could get a dance with the Englishman unless she allowed it.
"Well… ye… ye know I ju-just thought that… ye know, we dance well… together. And I'd like it if we remained dance partners…".
"You want me all to yourself?"
YES!
FOR CHRIST'S SAKE JAMES, YES I DO!
BUT I CAN'T TELL YE THAT!
"For dancing!" She shouted a clarification.
"Of course. I think I can agree to that. We make a good team".
"That we do James, that we do".
They both snorted amusement at her statement before walking on for another few minutes. A gate had to be traversed on the way, with James heading over first before holding a hand for Erin as she clambered over it. He was concerned for her safety over the gate, especially when she began to wobble. The wobble he believed was to her being nervous in trying to get her trailing leg over the top of the gate was actually caused by him, for he'd touched her hand at the same time, sending her heart rate into overdrive. His surprise hadn't even been revealed and she was already contemplating whether or not to go for it. But with every fibre of control left, she held off.
They came to a field which held a very strange looking barn in it, a bizarre building for what a normal enough looking field to contain. Searching him for any clues as to what it might be, there was a grin from ear to ear on his face, which improbably widened the closer they got to the strange building. The closer that they came to it, Erin realised that the building contained huge doors that were pushed open, and something was sat inside. The first idea of what it might be flashed into her head, but she was cut off from asking about it when he slowed to a complete stop.
"I suppose you are wondering what this is all about then?"
"Ach no James! I hadn't even thought about ye pullin' me out into the country for a surprise that ye've kept very secretively from me all week…".
"I am sorry. But I hope you will enjoy it…"
"I hope so too… so, what is it?"
Erin was puzzled when he took a deep breath and ran a hand through his slick hair. A man who didn't show his nerves so easily, James became like her; unsure of his words and how to convey himself properly.
"I have kept something from you… well not just you, everyone".
"Yer not one of those wee gay fellas are ye?" She blurted out without thinking, terrified of him confirming her thought.
"No No". He chucked lightly. "It's more of a secret about… about well I would imagine you would call it a secret passion".
Secret Passion?
Erin's head, ignoring the oddly shaped building in the farmer's field, or the fact that they were in a field in the first place, immediately took note of the word passion. Passion could mean love and love might mean with her… was she his secret passion? Why didn't he just tell me at the dance?...
"In my spare time back home… well… I… I'm a pilot. I fly".
"You fly?" Her brows furrowed in confusion. "Like those fancy planes ye see in the paper?"
"Yes. Those ones from the papers".
"That is… SOOOOO CRACKER!"
She jumped forward to hug him again without even thinking, finding his arms warmly receiving her as they had done before. It was finally a weight off of his chest being able to tell her his secret. Although it wasn't the complete truth that nobody else knew; Martin knew from helping James arrange the storage of the plane once it had been flown in. But with his uncle sworn to secrecy, Erin was the first to truly understand and, he hoped, appreciate his passion for aviation.
"I've never seen one of these fancy planes in person before!" She exclaimed.
"Would you like to?" He replied, still grinning wildly.
"Aye!"
Tilting his head towards the makeshift hangar, they were almost sprinting to it, Erin taking the lead with James snapping at her heels. He barely had enough time to say hello to the landowner that he and Martin arranged the storage with. The farmer's son, whose father was less than pleased about having a plane on his farm, had been very friendly with James when he'd approached him, with Martin coming along to deal with the logistics. The sum he was paying them was not even that large, mainly due to the large old barn that the plane residing in not being used for years beforehand anyway.
"Oh my god!"
Erin marvelled at it once she'd passed through the doors. It wasn't the fastest plane in the world, not that she would know, but the biplane sat regally in its makeshift home awaiting its owner. James hadn't owned it for long before the move to Derry but kept it in pristine condition regardless. When the time had come, a friend from London had flown it over to land in the field and taxi it into the barn come hangar, before heading off home via the sea.
"James… it… it's stunning!"
"I know, rather captivating don't you think?"
"Mammy would never believe me that yer one of those high-flying boys, the dashing men of the sky!"
He was mostly certainly dashing…
"No doubt she would need to see it for herself. That could be arranged though…".
"Ha!" Erin snorted. "Ye might have been able to get me out here easily, but Mammy would be a different matter".
"A challenge then! Though perhaps it would be wise not to attempt it…".
"I would think that's for the best aye".
Over the course of the next ten minutes, he gave her a tour of the biplane, explaining many of its positive features and some of the drawbacks too. Erin was fascinated by the feat of engineering before her eyes, captivated even more than she was when she'd had her first trip in the Morgan. The car might have been a beautiful little thing, but the plane was another level entirely. Running her hand along the paintwork, she looked up to James, who'd climbed into the pilot's seat to explain something to her. Lost in the vision of him sat there, she just stared, ignoring the words coming out his mouth and focusing on how his hair glistened in the light of the rays that crept through the open doors. She bit down on her lip, the thoughts of him invading her mind like they'd done the night before when he'd appeared in her dreams wearing a considerable amount less clothing than he was at that moment…
"Erin… Erin…".
"Y-Y… yes James".
"Are you still with me?"
"I… yes… sorry".
"There is no need for an apology. I was just asking if you wanted to see a demonstration of what the aircraft can do".
The surprise was only getting better. It might not have been James with no clothes on in her dreams, but being able to see him in action piloting his biplane was a very able deputy.
"Ach that would be incredible! Please!"
"For you my dear Erin, it shall be done".
Melting her once again, she could feel her knees begging to collapse from beneath her but desperately held firm for what felt like the hundredth time. She could barely survive another round of his honeyed words.
"Where… where do I stand?" She asked quietly.
"Stand?" His reply was thick with confusion.
"Ye know, to get the best view".
"You sit behind me, here".
Pointing to the seat behind the pilot's, James watched as her face froze. Internally, Erin couldn't believe what he was saying. She didn't know what to think when it came to flying, having not considered that he would allow her to be a passenger.
"I… I'm not Amelia Earhart!"
"I know you're not…". He laughed heartily at her affirmation. "… I'm not asking you to take the controls!"
"Well I…".
"Relax Erin. I know what I'm doing, you'll always be safe with me. Always".
His voice dropped to a tone which became knee-threatening again. Her cheeks were glowing a searing pink that James was completely oblivious too as usual, not seeing the emotional flooding he'd created.
Helping her into the seat, she noted the coat and goggles. Explaining that they would be necessary, donning them meant that the two were suddenly in matching outfits. Leaning over and fastening her harness in, their hands grazed, causing their eyes to meet. Whilst he was full of merriment and laughter, her eyes betrayed the lust and desire that threatened to boil over at any given time.
It was incredibly loud once he'd started the engine, having told her to use the radio to communicate with him instead of trying to speak to him normally. Having him so close but being unable to talk to him properly was an alien-like feeling, but it was soon drowned out by the pure terror of taking off. Taxiing out onto grass, she wondered how it was possible to get the biplane airborne with only a short stretch of field between them and the trees where they'd emerged from.
"Oh my…".
"Oh my…".
"Oh my….".
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
Over the sound of his propellors, James chuckled as no matter how drowning they were, he could hear the screams of his passenger. For him, the take off was simple, clearing the trees quite easily to become airborne. He'd first took lessons in his very early teens, his mother encouraging him to do so once he showed an interest. Showing an aptitude to flying that accompanied the interest, he'd already flown hundreds of hours in multiple different planes, impressing his instructors with his control and etiquette.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
Erin still screamed even once they were well up into the fresh skies. After a couple of minutes, James knew he would have to stop her. Even if he did find it quite funny.
"Erin… Erin!" He called down the radio.
"JAMES! JAMES! Are we still on the ground? We've not hit the trees no?"
"Erm… you might want to open your eyes… but please do not do anything rash".
"I can't do that… I'm scared James!"
"You are safe. You are with me… I would never do anything to hurt you. Just please, open your eyes".
Reassured by his wickedly orated words, Erin began to flicker her eyes open, turning her head to look down. She'd expected her fears to magnify the further they went into the journey, but upon glancing down, she was struck with awe and wonder. There was a majestic sensation to gliding over the top of the every day lives of everyone else, to able to view their daily existence from the eyes of a bird.
"It… It… is incredible". She stammered down the radio.
"It is truly wonderful up here". He replied. "Do you recognise anything?"
Glancing again, she spotted the mass of roofs on either side of where the Foyle snaked on its way out to sea.
"Is that Derry?"
"Yes. I would get a bit lower, but I might make the anti-aircraft boys a bit jumpy!"
"Anti-Aircraft? What's that!?"
"I would say it is probably best that I do not tell you. Let's just enjoy the rest of the trip".
They weren't up in the air for too long, but by the time it came to land, Erin had relaxed totally in her seat. Flying respectfully and diligently, he'd given her a tour of most of the county in that time, going out over the sea for a while. Foreigners loved the Giant's Causeway and James did little to change the stereotype, conducting a fly past of the site that attracted the non-natives in their droves when they ventured to their furthest point away from the field. The trip was such a resounding success for her that she was thoroughly disappointed when he announced over the radio that it would be time for it to end.
Landing went smoothly, with James continuing to taxi the biplane back to the makeshift hangar that it now called home. The farmer's son was out there waiting for them, reopening the doors to aid him in returning his aircraft to where it belonged. Unfortunately for Erin's emotional control, James had his hands on her, helping her out of the aircraft once it was time to get out and go. Resisting the painstaking urge to give in to the relentless thoughts and feelings, with ounces of control she did not know previously existed, she was back on the ground and to normal within a couple of minutes. A slow walk back in the direction of his cottage was in order once he'd thanked the farmer's son for the help that afternoon, the two of them giggling throughout at the ridiculousness of the other.
"Do we call ye Wing Commander Maguire now?" Erin jested as they approached his cottage from the field.
"Air Marshal would do".
"Don't be getting ideas above yer station now James".
"I wouldn't dream of it".
He held his hands up in a fake surrender that only heightened their shared joyfulness.
"I'm impressed that you've picked up certain aviation knowledge so quickly…". He spoke gracefully to her. "… we might make this a permanent excursion, if you so wish?"
"I wouldn't be against spending an afternoon in the air with ye". She laughed.
They came to a stop on the gravelled driveway in front of the house, the conversation ending as a thick nervous fog formed around them. Erin's struggles were amplified through the complete silence, once again having to do everything she possibly could to avoid giving herself away.
But this time, in the haze of the late afternoon sun, she didn't have to hide.
James made the move.
His hand suddenly grasped her waist, Erin gasping as he pulled her towards him. He looked unchanged to usual, his eyes kind and sincere, but there was a different intention to his actions that afternoon. Leaning down, he placed his lips upon hers and set her world alight.
YES!
YES!
YE… BUT!
After weeks of lustful torture, fate and her head, turned against Erin. No sooner had she fell under the spell of the press of his smooth, inviting lips on hers, had she pulled back away in fear. As much as she might have wanted to, as many girls in Derry certainly wanted to, she couldn't give in because he was English. It was acceptable to want to ride an English fella because of his good looks, but to actually act upon it was wrong. She had to pull away from the kiss, for if she didn't, she could never have stopped the conclusion that she'd so craved but would cause such indignation.
There was not a word exchanged between the two. His eyes, so previously warm, displayed cold looks of disappointment instead. It pained her to see how offended he must have been, quickly realising that he too must have been fighting the same battles with his emotions, only concealing them far better than her. With instincts that told her to flee from him, the very next moment she did so.
Watching her sprint off away from him, without a single look back, James huffed out a sigh. She was a dear friend, a dear friend that he knew meant more to him than just that, but a friend that he'd lost for daring to believe she may have felt the same way.
"You bloody fool James!"
He chastised himself angrily as the sun suddenly disappeared, dark clouds covering the horizon. The rain began less than an hour later and as James traced the droplets running down his window that evening, his eyes barely held back the tears that threatened to jump out at the corners.
He'd been so stupid.
And he'd paid the price.
The arches of the Reich Chancellery stood stoutly on the landscape of Berlin. Being invited to the Führer's offices was an honour that had befallen Doctor Van Der Heijden many times before, but it would be the first time he would visit partly socially. Which also allowed him to take along the woman of his dreams, Lyla Walsh. The gorgeous Irish woman who had easily captured his heart, a woman he was proud to show off to the man who he saw as almost a god. Considering the hectic schedule that the Führer faced as the eyes of the world grew ever more suspicious towards his aims, it was the highest privilege to be able to have an hour with him over lunch. Though it would not be all pleasure. The Doctor would be showing the latest results of his research off to the Führer and many high-ranking members of the party afterwards.
"Sei doch nicht so aufgeregt, Lyla." Kurt advised her
("Do not be so nervous Lyla".)
"Es ist so eine Ehre, ein Gast des Führers zu sein. Ich will uns nicht in Verlegenheit bringen." She replied, a warm smile on her face.
("It is such an honour to be a guest of the Führer. I do not want to embarrass us".)
"Unsinn, meine liebe Dame. Der Führer ist ein sehr ehrenhafter Mann und ein persönlicher Freund. Er wird dich genauso viel verehren wie ich."
("Nonsense my dear. The Führer is a very honourable man and a personal friend. He will adore you as I do".)
The happy couple sat together in the back of the car, with Lieutenant Hartmann acting as their driver. Another achievement of the Doctor's was showing the young Lieutenant how to drive, and his skill was impeccable once he'd mastered the basics. Arriving outside the Chancellery, there were officers ready to greet them, their presence expected for an audience with Adolf Hitler himself. The officers were all on the staff of the Führer, smartly dressed in their fine military garb amongst the suit wearing civilian staff that were coming and going at all hours. Kurt gave instructions to the Lieutenant to park up nearby and wait for them, allowing the young man time to do whatever he pleased whilst he did. An avid reader, the Lieutenant always stored a book in the car for such an occasion.
Walking into the Chancellery, Lyla was captured by the magnificence of the building. She'd spent time at Kurt's lovely offices, but they were nothing compared to the incredible sights of the Chancellery. The couple were led through the corridors by the officers, stopping to greet any soldiers on their way past. There was a merry atmosphere most unlike what she was expecting to find. Anticipating a hectic political and military based landmark, it was instead the hive of pleasant conversations between officers and politicians alike in the hallways. They were soon within an even more regal part of the building, which she immediately took to be the Führer's quarters. Offered a seat in a reception room, the two were holding hands on the sofa where they perched, guarded over either shoulder by sub machine gun wielding soldiers.
They didn't have to wait too long for their esteemed guest to be ready for them, an officer calling them through to where they were to meet him. Reaching his rooms, Lyla saw the Führer, Germany's leader, with her very own eyes for the first time. He was of around average height, his hair kept to how it was during all of his rallies and speeches. Alone in the room, there were only a handful of guards present, that were all ushered out once the kitchen staff had delivered the lunch for them. There was a lack of meat or fish with the offering, something which she picked up on immediately from a distance. Knowing that Kurt did not avoid meat in his diet, she could only assume that the Führer was the one out of the two that did not consume it.
"Mein Führer!" Kurt joyfully addressed his superior, once the man had finished dismissing the guards.
("My Führer!")
"Kurt". The Führer replied cordially, less vigorously than the Doctor had addressed him. "Es freut mich wie immer. Wer ist diese zauberhafte Dame?"
("Kurt. It is a pleasure as always. Who is this enchanting woman?")
Hitler's eye was drawn to his companion, which Doctor Van Der Heijden could only take as a compliment. He knew the Führer himself was already in a committed, if secretive, relationship, so he did not need to worry about losing her to him, instead being able to revel in what appeared to be an immediate acceptance of his lover.
"Das ist meine schöne Freundin, Frau Lyla Walsh." Kurt informed him
("This is my beautiful partner, Miss Lyla Walsh".)
Taking her hand delicately, the Führer placed a kiss to it. She curved her lips up into a smile at the feeling of his lips on the skin of her fingers and laughed at the slight tickle from his moustache too.
"Lyla? Ein sehr ungewöhnlicher Name...Irisch?" Hitler deduced.
("Lyla? A very unusual name… Irish?")
"Ja, Herr Führer." She confirmed to him.
("Yes Führer".)
"Nenn mich bitte Adolf jetzt dass es nur wir drei sind."
("Please, call me Adolf now it is just the three of us".)
A pleasant mood filled the air of his rooms at the Chancellery. The three soon sat down for lunch, with the two men ensuring that Lyla was well fed for before assigning food to their own plates. Her earlier observation of no meat with the lunch was confirmed to be completely true. Bread, salad and soup was the offering that lunchtime, but one she nevertheless enjoyed along with the Führer. Kurt was not so taken by the lack of meat on offer and would certainly require a more substantial meal that evening to make up for it. Lunch was washed down with wine for the guests, with the Führer opting for a simple glass of water to accompany the meal.
Whilst they let their meal settle in their stomachs, the stimulating conversations resumed.
"Was treibt dich nach Deutschland, Lyla?"
("What brings you to Germany, Lyla?")
Adolf's question was one she'd been expecting from the very moment that they'd arrived. An Irish woman of near to middle age, suddenly arriving in Germany to make a living at a time where the country's morals were constantly called into question. It was hardly the done thing. But she knew how to answer the question… because she'd been taught how to. Their meeting with him was not one of complete coincidence; it was carefully manipulated into occurring by her over a number of weeks. She hadn't always followed instructions throughout her life, the physical evidence remaining in the Emerald Isle. This time she was following them though. Just like she'd been told.
"Eine Gelegenheit. Mein Leben zu Hause war bedeutungslos. Ich bin zum Land gekommen, das meiner Meinung nach die beste Chancen für mich angeboten hat."
("Opportunity. My life at home was meaningless. I came to the country I believed held the best chances for me".)
Layers of deceitful mistruth fused together to create the disdainful lie she told him. It hadn't always been perfect down the years, but her life with him was one of complete happiness when at its peak.
"Sie haben ja Recht, Frau Walsh, besonders für dich. Ich bin stolz, eine so intelligente Frau in mein Land zu empfangen."
("You are quite right Miss Walsh, especially for you. I am proud to welcome such an intelligent woman to my country".)
"Danke, Adolf."
("Thank you, Adolf".)
He dipped his head in respect towards her, a respect painfully reciprocated. She wasn't an actress by any means, making it all the more difficult for Lyla to thank him for the compliment. He wasn't incorrect though; she was very intelligent, a fact proven by him not showing any inkling of disbelieving her.
"Als Irin haben Sie keine Liebe zu den Engländern?"
("Being Irish, you have no love for the English?")
The topic quickly shifted in a very different direction.
It was not a secret that the English commanded little love back home. Gauging the current mood of the city was impossible for her, but she knew of many old friends that held pure hatred for the neighbours across the sea. Yet for her it was difficult. Yes, the English had committed many atrocities in her home country throughout history and had treated the citizens poorly in that time too… but her home country was not the nation she was risking her life for. The enemy was.
"Ich bin irlandtreu, nicht englandtreu. Meine Heimatstadt Derry ist Teil des Vereinigten Königreichs aber aus der Sicht von mir und vielen anderen, gehört es zu Irland."
("My loyalty is to Ireland and not England. My home city of Derry is part of Britain but in my eyes and the eyes of many, it belongs to Ireland".)
More lies were needed, though she hadn't lied completely to Hitler on the second occasion. She still held some loyalty to Ireland despite being away. That could never be taken away with her, unless her heart became separated from her body. The passion for her home would stay with her forever but the ownership was a matter on which she was not truly concerned. She would be safe either way.
"Glauben Sie, die Leute in deiner Heimatstadt würden für Großbritannien kämpfen, sollte die britische Regierung einen Krieg gegen ein anderes Land beginnen?" The Führer continued to question.
("Do you think the people in your home city would fight for Britain, if the British Government were to begin a war with another country?")
"Manche würden. Aber sie wären dumm, ihr Blut für Chamberlain und seine Minister zu opfern. Irisches Blut wurde immer für England geopfert, mit sehr wenig als Gegenleistung."
("Some of them would. But they would be foolish to give their blood for Chamberlain and his Ministers. Irish blood has always been given for England, with very little in return".)
Unhindered by the strange barrage of questions on the British Government and Ireland's history with England, she schooled her features accordingly. Any rash and unconsidered answers could allow the mask to slip, revealing the truth in a building packed with armed soldiers. A one-way ticket to the next life without hesitation. The sentiment was not entirely false once again. Down the years the British Army had often been full of Irishmen fighting in wars that they did not ask for, nor particularly cared for. They'd always done their duty in those conflicts, although it did little to alter their treatment at the hands of the British Governments of past and present.
"Ich stimme dir ja zu. Was denkst du, Kurt?"
("I quite agree. What do you think Kurt?")
The Doctor had listened into the two-way conversation with interest, without having given his opinion, but sat up sharply once his Führer asked for it.
"Irland ist ein Land, dass sich danach sehnt, vom Einfluss anderer Nationen befreit zu sein. Ein wohlhabendes und freies Irland wäre am wenigstens ein vorteilhafter Handelspartner."
("Ireland is a country that longs to be rid of the influence of other nations. A prosperous and free Ireland would be a beneficial trading partner… at the very least".)
Producing a more diplomatic view of the situation, there were cautionary nods from both the Führer and Lyla at his comment. He was not so well versed on whether Ireland could truly give anything of value to a strong German nation but could confidently see the strategic influence of such an ally. An ally so close to the greatest threat that they could conceivably face in Europe could not be overlooked.
Understanding her partner's opinion, Lyla couldn't help but speak up.
"Ich würde aber hinzufügen, Adolf, dass die britische Regierung niemals willig meine Heimat und viele weitere abgeben. SIe kann beängstigend hartnäckig sein."
("I would add though, Adolf, that the British Government would never willingly concede my home and many others. They can be frighteningly stubborn".)
The point caught the usually unflappable Hitler off-guard. She watched as he digested her thoughts, an initial disgust turning into a reserved and tactful grin, one that was shared with the Doctor too. It wasn't a remark that would jeopardise her, but she could see the effect it had on the Führer, betraying his own annoyance at the British. He too though, was calm and pleasant in his eventual reply.
"Sie kann immer überredet werden, Frau Walsh. Das habe ich schon vorher gemacht."
("They can always be persuaded, Miss Walsh. I have done so before".)
She knew exactly what he meant. Chamberlain was a weak prime minister who would cave in under the very slightest application of pressure at times, a man unsuited for the task of grappling with the Führer on the world stage.
"So lange es friedlich ist, dann wäre ich stolz, den Tag zu erleben." She once again responded to Hitler.
("As long as it is peaceful, then I would be proud to see the day".)
"Natürlich". His tone was delicate, a smile flashed her way. "Aber wenn nicht, denkst du, mein Deutschland die Briten nicht besiegen könnten?
("Of course… But if it were not, do you think my Germany would not be able to defeat them?")
The hints of war continued from him. They were notes for her to take in her head for now, to report back on another time. It was evident that Hitler was on the war footing, a path which the British were not ready for just yet. One which he needed to be dissuaded from.
"Es könnte gemacht werden. Aber falls sich irgendwann Deutschland in einem weiteren Krieg gegen die Briten befindet, sollte der Gegner nicht unterschätzt werden. Ich habe von meiner Heimat aus die schlaue Handlungsweise der Briten gesehen. Um sie zu besiegen müssen Sie schnell handeln, da je länger Sie die kämpfen, desto mehr die Chancen zu Gunsten der Briten wenden."
("It could be done. But if Germany is to ever find itself in another war with the British, the opponent should not be underestimated. I have seen from my home, the sly way in which they operate. To defeat them you would need to do it quickly, for the longer you fight them, the more the odds turn in their favour".)
The warning was delivered gently, disguising the true intention of its meaning to come across as friendly advice if anything. Once again, Hitler baulked at the mention of the British. He'd taken so much confidence from the agreement in Munich, believing the British would not form the opposition that had seen them victorious on the continent for many years. Chamberlain's Britain was not the nation that stood up to Bonaparte on the Iberian Peninsula during the Corsican's time, they were not even the Britain that he'd fought in the Great War. To have an Irish woman tell him that he could not win a pitched conflict against them did not amuse him and more so confused him, especially when she'd already spoken of having little love for the government of the nation.
"Weiser Rat für eine Frau."
("Wise advice for a woman".)
The Führer's tone became condescending towards her. Her features remained schooled, unchanged despite the change in his mood, but she knew she could push no further without the risk of exposure. Lyla had the luck of the Irish on her side however, as the mostly silent Kurt stepped in.
"Meine Lyla hat ein bemerkenswertes Verständnis auf die Anlegegenheiten unserer Zeit. Ich bin glücklich, sie kennen gelernt zu haben."
("My Lyla has a remarkable grasp on the affairs of our time. I am most lucky to have met her".)
Sensing that his Führer's anger was starting to rise at Lyla's fair, but unwise comments, Kurt stepped in to defuse the brewing situation. The last thing that he wanted was for any action to be taken against her… and he didn't want to fall out of favour either.
"Das bist du Kurt. Das bist du."
("You are Kurt. You are".)
The Führer notably relaxed again after his intervention, the desirable outcome for all three. They conversed for another twenty minutes or so, though the topics of discussion switched from war to home life very rapidly. A more appropriate topic to discuss between the three, it ensured that there would be no resumption in unwanted tension. A true blessing.
"Komm, Kurt, wir müssen deine Forschung diskutieren."
("Come Kurt, we must discuss your research".)
"Ja, mein Führer."
("Yes my Führer".)
Gesturing for them to depart, The Führer got up from his seat at the table. Lyla and Kurt soon joined him, following him over to the door. The doors opened to the presence of two armed guards and one of the officers that had escorted them to his rooms previously. Turning towards Lyla, Adolf placed another kiss to her hand, before engaging with her to say farewell.
"Lyla, ich freue mich darauf, Sie wieder zu sehen. Vielleicht begleitet mich ihr beide bei meinem nächsten Besuch nach Berchtesgaden."
("Lyla, I look forward to seeing you again. Perhaps you will both accompany me on my next visit to Berchtesgaden?")
"Ich freue mich darauf."
("I look forward to it".)
"Dann ist es beschlossen!"
("Then it is settled".)
A peaceful ending to her time in his presence, he advised Kurt as to where they would be going before departing himself, allowing the Doctor a moment longer with his partner. Bringing her in closely, they shared a quick kiss in front of the awaiting guards.
"Weise mal Hans an, für mich in einer Stunde Zeit zurückzukomment". He instructed her.
("Tell Hans to return for me in one hour".)
"Ja, mein Liebling"
("Yes my dear".)
Leaving with the armed escort, Lyla confidently strolled her way towards the car, where Lieutenant Hartmann greeted her. As he drove her back to her home within the city, she contemplated the knowledge she'd gleaned from speaking to the Führer.
She had a lot of information to pass on.
Arriving home after the dash back from her eventful trip out, Erin was thankful that the house was deserted. Her parents must have been out with Anna somewhere, or even next door, not that it really mattered which. She needed the time alone to process exactly what had just occurred… what she'd fled from.
Or rather, who'd she fled from.
Her dream fella. The fella she'd salivated over for weeks without knowing how he felt but then running from him the moment that she did.
The moment he'd kissed her.
He was the most dashing young man to ever set foot in Derry, turning women's heads wherever he went, but to actually be the one to have him would come with ridicule. He was an Englishman. She wasn't allowed to have him. So she ran.
But she wanted him.
And was already missing him.
The first tears fell only a couple of minutes after she went to her room. Sat on her bed, she could have screamed into the mattress at her own foolishness. Not only was it going to cost her the relationship she wanted with him, but her actions would also forgo their very good friendship too. He'd confided in her at his lowest because she was the friend that he saw fit to comfort him when he needed it the most. She wouldn't be that friend anymore…
Why… why did I run?
It was everything I wanted…
Now I have… nothing…
She continued to cry for a good hour or more. Trying to stop was useless as after every sniffle, a new wave of watery troops were already waiting in reserve to continue the onslaught. It was only her parents and sister's arrival back home that could cease the upset. Erin couldn't afford for them to know about what had upset her.
Anna ran straight up to her room, a common occurrence after a trip out, barging through the door to throw herself at her big sister. Desperately covering her anguish, Erin giggled at the action.
"Yer happy to see me Anna…". She noted inquisitively.
"It's because I missed ye!"
Tears of a different nature were threatening to fall at Anna's words. Being paid such a wonderful compliment by her little sister was truly beautiful and she reciprocated their bond, hugging Anna tightly.
"I missed ye too".
"Did ye enjoy yer walk?" Anna enquired.
"Well… I…".
Wavering at even Anna's enquiries, she was going to stand little chance of keeping up her guard around her parents. She had at least enjoyed the walking part, and the flying, but trying to convey that joy with the lingering sensation of James' lips covering hers would be like trying to breach the Derry walls.
"I did enjoy it". She finally confirmed.
"That's cracker!" Anna cheerfully declared. "Did ye see James?"
The world seemed to stop for a second as she turned her head down to her sister, staring at her incredulously. Anna's apparent knowledge of James' cottage laying on the supposed route she'd informed her parents about earlier in the day, was a tantalising shock. Quite how she knew was beyond Erin.
"Ye… ye he… he walked with me for a bit".
"I like James! He's nice and holds my hand when I'm scared!"
"Aye… he's a… he's a good friend".
Stop fecking talking about James, Anna!
"Mammy said he's a nice fella". Anna continued. "Even Granda thinks he's nice and James is English, and Granda never says anythin' nice about the English".
"Granda's a nice fella himself. He knows another nice fella when he sees one, I guess…". Erin's voice trailed, perilously close to cracking.
"Aye he is…".
Anna sat on her lap for another few minutes, the sister's embracing. They eventually went downstairs together, where Erin regained control of her calm to inform her parents of the afternoon's events. Events which were not the complete truth. There was no mention of the flying or the kiss, James' role in her fabricated story being reduced to one of a half hour accompaniment across the fields and back.
His true role would have to remain hidden.
Painfully hidden.
The messages were carefully encrypted. Structured so that the code could not be broken by any German observers. Smithers had been waiting to hear from her, learning of her luncheon with Hitler from the previous transmission. With the messages finished, he compiled his report to his superiors of the knowledge gleamed from Emerald One.
Or Lyla Walsh, as she was otherwise known.
TOP SECRET
German Intentions, 3rd July 1939.
Captain Robert F. Smithers
Section V
Following latest transmission from Emerald One, concerns in regard to German Intentions of war are magnified.
Emerald One reports firstly that the German High Command appear ready to attempt a conflict of some scale. From conversations with the Doctor, Emerald believes Poland will almost certainly be the target of German aggression in the coming months, perhaps even next month. Danzig remains a major concern, though Emerald unable to provide any information of further relevance to intentions there. Must rely instead on the consul for information.
Hitler himself appears certain that conflict inevitable. Made enquiries with Emerald as to our ability to respond to any German offensive mounted against us. Holds significant belief in German Military power being superior to that of our own, fully confident of successful invasion if necessary. Emerald's opinion dictates that he may result to diplomacy with our Government in order to achieve aims in the rest of Europe. Very scathing view of Prime Minister noted. Implied belief that he is weak and easily manipulated.
Of particular concern, Ireland to be courted as a potential partner for German ambitions. Hitler well aware of Irish hostility to Westminster and strategic importance of an ally close to our shores. Every effort must be made to ensure alliance between the two is not formed. Potentially disastrous consequences if so. Stricter monitoring of Ireland essential.
Doctor's research, whilst mostly unknown, is a most worrying development. Emerald One only aware of minor details, but harrowing, nonetheless. Mass exterminations of incomprehensible scale are the basis of the Doctor's research, with the particular usage of biological extermination over execution with weaponry or through hanging. Intentions appear to be guided toward use on those deemed 'Racial enemies'. Emerald believes those people of Jewish faith and origin are to be targeted in these exterminations as well as likely deployment against prisoners in the event of war. Further proof is however required.
My Instructions in reply to Emerald One are as follows.
1) Discover as much information in regards to the extermination program and investigate links to the role of prison camps.
2) Monitor any further High Command intentions towards alliance with Ireland.
3) Immediately report upon receipt of any knowledge of German plans with Danzig
4) Follow up with any further information on Hitler's own thoughts upon next meeting.
Emerald has confirmed a secondary meeting with Hitler to be conducted on currently undefined date. Will report once known, if possible before the event.
On a different note, Emerald requested information about own family. Have informed that he is doing fine without Emerald's presence, despite difficulties being noted. Will issue instruction to Emerald Two in Derry to continue surveillance on him for Emerald One's benefit.
Concerns raised above to be discussed with the upmost urgency in relation to preparations for potential conflict with Germany and the threat to allied Poland.
Smithers' report soon found its way to the desk of his superior, who read it with vested interest. Emerald One's mission was one of high risk, but of vital importance. Having someone in such close contact to the German High Command allowed for a refined process in understanding the threats that they posed. The crisis in Danzig was the most immediate threat to peace on the continent, a peace that did not need to be shattered.
But all good things came to an end…